State and explain the trend in atomic radius down a group of the periodic table

Down a group of the periodic table, the atomic radius increases.
As we go down a group, the outermost electron of an atom is placed in a shell that is further from the nucleus. This means it experiences the electrostatic attraction of the positive nucleus less.
Furthermore, down a group, there are more inner electrons between the outermost electron and the nucleus. These inner electrons repel the outer electron, thereby shielding it from the nucleus' attractive force. Therefore the outer electron is held further from the nucleus.

TC
Answered by Thomas C. Chemistry tutor

32910 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define the standard enthalpy of formation


What are optical isomers?


How do you know where the bonds link to form a new molecule?


When 80.0cm^3 of 0.500 M hydrochloric acid was added to 1.75g of impure CaCO3, not all HCl reacts. The unreacted HCl required 22.4 cm^3 of a 0.500 M solution of NaOH for complete reaction. Calculate percentage by mass of CaCO3 in the impure sample.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences